HEAT WAVE IN AUSTRALIA

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13084, 25 January 1906, Page 5

HEAT WAVE IN AUSTRALIA

| IMMENSE BUSH TIRES. ■ ; SIX CHILDREN BURNED TO DEATH. GREAT DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY. By Telcgrapn.— Association.—Copyright. Melbourne, January 24. Yesterday was the hottest day in this city since 1862. The Fahrenheit thermometer registered no less than llOjdeg. in the shade. The heat wave, which was general over the State, was accompanied by disastrous bush tires in every direction. The town of Daylesford (population 4000) narrowly escaped being swept away by a file, which is now raging along & frontage of 10 miles. It is feared that the whole of the country between Daylesford and Castlemaine, at a distance of 20 miles to the north, is doomed unless the wind abates. Many thousands of acres of grass, and in some cases of crops, have been destroyed. Shops and houses on the outskirts of Daylesford have been burnt. One man lost his life in trying to save his effects. (Received January 25, 1.10 a.m.) Sydney, January 24. The heat in the country districts to-day was terrific. A bush fire in the Condobolin district has dose great damage. Tullinga station has lost 20,000 acres of grass. A father and his two sous, who were going to the assistance of their neighbours, rode for their lives ahead of a wall of fire for seven miles. They Chen found a tank and took refuge in the water for five hours. Two giris, the eldest 15 years of age, have been arrested for starting this fire. " The parents also have been arrested for aiding and abetting. Melbourne, January 24. Six children perished in a bush fire at Mount Fatigue, Gippsland, to-day. Other children are missing. No particulars are to hand.